St.

Dominic de Guzman

AUGUST 2021
IN THIS ISSUE
NEWS SECTION
Celebrating St. Dominic’s Feast in a Pandemic..............1
Cardinal Advincula Joins the Friars of the
Convent of St. John Lateran on Dies Natalis..................3
Reaping of the Fruits: Graduation 2021.......................
Opportunities Received.................................................4
Domingo T. de Guzman, Jr. Makes
His Temporary Profession as Lay Dominican.................5
Venerable Mother Francisca at 310...............................6
Acts in Action.............................................................
Mission in the Post COVID-19 World..........................
Br. Adiredjo, New Rector of Darma
Cendika, Surabaya........................................................7
Indonesian Dominican Friars Welcome
Eight New Aspirants...................................................

FEATURES SECTION Br. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM (center) bestows the final blessing during the Eucharistic
Filipino “Summa” and “Osana”......................................8 Celebration in honor of St. Dominic de Guzman at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City.
Homily of Br. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM
on the occasion of the Solemnity of
St. Dominic de Guzman last August 8, 2021................9
Month of September Birthday Celebrations.................11 NEWS SECTION
UPCOMING EVENTS Celebrating St. Dominic’s Feast in a Pandemic
September 8, 2021 | 12:15 PM Br. Jonas P. Mediavilla, OP
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary live via Radio

Q
Veritas 846 at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City
uezon City—Tuloy ang pista! This year’s celebration
September 8, 2021 | 8:30 PM proved that no pandemic could get in the way of fostering
Dominican Family Solidarity for Justice and Peace in Myanmar communion among the brethren, for on August 5-8, 2021, the
via Zoom/Province Official Facebook Page
Dominican Province of the Philippines, through its Commission on
September 10, 2021 | 3:30 PM Social Communication, celebrated the feast of St. Dominic as one
A Province-wide Webinar on Tax Updates and Developments community, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, through various
Affecting Educational Institutions and Hospitals
online platforms. With the theme, “At the Table with St. Dominic”, this
September 13, 2021 | 8:00 PM year’s feast proved to be even more special because it coincided with
Webinar on Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Counselling various religious events and milestones namely, the 8th Centenary of
the Dies Natalis, the Church’s celebration of the Year of St. Joseph, the
FURTHER MOVEMENTS IN THE PROVINCE 5th Centenary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, and the
as of August 31, 2021
Golden Anniversary of the Province’s establishment as a Province.
Br. Anthony A. Eudela, OP From August 5 to 7, Triduum and Evening Prayers were
House of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companion Martyrs conducted and hosted by three communities - the first of its kind.
The Rumah Santo Tomas Aquino in Surabaya, Indonesia hosted
Br. Ramonclaro G. Mendez, OP the first day, followed by the Priory of Our Lady of the Rosary in
Br. Arthur B. Dingel, OP Manaoag, Pangasinan for the second, and the Sto. Domingo Convent
Sto. Domingo Convent
 NEWS SECTION
in ­Quezon— City for the third, with Br. Joseto N. Bernadas Jr.,
OP, Br. Enrico D. Gonzales, OP, and Br. Siddharta B. Chiong,
OP serving as sharers, respectively. These were livestreamed
in various social media accounts of the Province at 6:00
in the evening (PST). Following the Triduum were online
conferences delivered by distinguished resource speakers:
Prof. Regalado Trota Jose, MCH who talked about the images
and faces of St. Dominic in the Philippines on Day 1, Sr.
Bernadette B. Agregado, OP who focused on the Dominican
Family dialogue on mental health on Day 2, and Br. Rolando
V. de la Rosa, OP who delivered a webinar on the Dominican
contribution to the evangelization of the Philippines the past
500 years, on Day 3.
On August 8, at 10:00 in the morning (PST), Prof.
Joselito D. de los Reyes, PhD of the University of Sto. Tomas
Faculty of Arts and Letters hosted a webinar entitled “Social
Media Community Standards para Kanino, Kailan, Saan:
Ilang Pagninilay sa Ating Birtwal na Pamayanan at Pag-iral”.
His talk expounded on the dynamics of social media and
social media community standards and its relevance, while
enjoining each to reflect on his/her personal experiences and
existence in social media, determine the type of involvement
in this virtual community, and develop connectivity with
other members of the Dominican family. This event was
attended by the different members of the Dominican family
via Zoom, livestreamed simultaneously through various
online channels.
On the same day, at 5:30 in the afternoon, a Solemn The succesor of St. Francis of Assisi, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, and the
succesor of St. Dominic de Guzman, Br. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III,
Eucharistic Celebration in honor of St. Dominic was held at OP; the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, Br.
the Sto. Domingo Church. Since a very restrictive community Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP together with Minister Provincial of the San
Pedro Bautista Province, Br. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM pose to showcase the
quarantine was in effect in Metro Manila, only the student centuries-old friensdhip between the Franciscans and Dominicans.
brothers and priests from the Sto. Domingo Convent and
Bahay Dominiko attended the Mass physically. This is the celebrations. In this light, the event was instead livestreamed
second year no public masses were held on St. Dominic's through the Province’s social media accounts.
feast day. At around this time last year, Metro Manila was In accordance with tradition, the Minister Provincial
also under modified enhanced community quarantine and of the Order of Friars Minor of the Province of San Pedro
following the instructions from the Diocese of Cubao, the Bautista, Br. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM served as the main
public was not allowed to participate in the liturgical— celebrant. His homily focused on the friendship between St.
Dominic and St. Francis — a precious legacy preserved by the
Dominicans and the Franciscans throughout the years. He in
turn invited the brothers to translate this good relationship
into collaboration, cooperation, and synodality in hastening
the evangelization of the Filipino people and in battling the
heresies of this time, e.g., false beliefs, false gods, false values,
false information, and false practices, by studying the faith
well. The celebration ended with a sumptuous dinner served
at the convent’s refectory.
Indeed, the pandemic has upended traditional
celebrations in various ways, with the need for restrictions
and social distancing, and the difficulty of travel. However,
these restrictions did not shake the spirit of the Dominicans
but paved new ways to celebrate the Feast of their Father
Founder. Mabuhay si Santo Domingo! t

2

Cardinal Advincula Joins the Friars of the Convent of St. Reaping of the Fruits: Graduation 2021
John Lateran on Dies Natalis Br. John Paul R. Pamintuan, OP
Br. Francis M. Borre, OP
Cardinal Advincula (center) leads the Letran-Manila’s Dies Natalis Mass
together with the members of the Convent of St. John Lateran.
“The Dominican family has shown us that the glory of St. Dominic
lies not in his being alone on the pedestal.”
T
hese are the words uttered by Cardinal Jose F. Advincula,
Jr., OP, DD, Archbishop of Manila, as he celebrated the
Mass commemorating the 800th Death Anniversary—
of St. Dominic de Guzman on August 6, 2021, at the Manila
Cathedral affirming the collective effort of all its members.
The celebration, which was attended by the Friars
of the Convent of St. John Lateran and some clergy from the
Archdiocese, were also attended by the rest of the Dominican
family via online means.
The Archbishop recognized the works of the
Dominican Family in the Philippines. He appreciated their
contributions such as promoting the Catholic education
through schools and other institutions for higher learning,
in the arts and sciences, in simplicity of poverty, in charitable
works and even in martyrdom. “We don’t only commemorate
the death of Saint Dominic, we remember a life that has
contributed much to the world,” he added.
However, it is not only in the field of education that
the Dominicans made great contributions to the Filipino
society but also in mission. The Dominicans have also played
a significant role in celebrating the 500th Year Anniversary
of Catholicism in the Philippines. Since the 16th century, the
Order has been one of the propagators of the faith throughout
the country.
Lastly, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the theme
of the Dies Natalis Jubilee Celebration, “A Table with St.
Dominic,” inspired by the first portrait of the founder of the
Order. He pointed out that in the painting, “St. Dominic is
shown enjoying table fellowship with his brothers, that is
exactly what God’s glory is.” t
NEWS SECTION
O
ne of the momentous events in the academic life of
the brethren is the graduation ceremony wherein
the brothers reap the fruits of their labors. Last July
23, 2021, the University of Sto. Tomas held a Baccalaureate
Mass and a Send-off Rite for its graduates for the Academic
Year 2020-2021. The Mass was presided by Br. Richard G.
Ang, OP, PhD, the Rector Magnificus of UST. In his homily,
he emphasized the value of contentment, gratitude, and the
important role of failure on the road to success.
After the Mass, a Send-off Rite was held, which
included the symbolic exit to the Arch of the Centuries
through Minecraft.
In another event of the Province, on August 13, 2021,
the Philippine Dominican Center of Institutional Studies
(PDCIS) and Institute of Preaching (IP) opened its new
school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit with Br. Filemon
I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP as the main celebrant. During his homily,
he expounded the fruits of the Holy Spirit and its importance
to the study life of the brethren.
Right after the said Mass, PDCIS and IP held a
graduation ceremony for all graduating student brothers of
these Dominicans institutions. The Moderator of the PDCIS
also recognized all the student brothers who graduated
during the Academic Year 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 by
including them in the ceremony. The graduates are the
following:
Graduate Studies:
Br. Junel C. Pedroso, OP, SThL, Cum Laude
Br. Glen Mar T. Gamboa, OP, JCL, Magna cum Laude
Br. Francis M. Borre, OP, MA (Film Studies), Magna cum Laude
Certificate in Preaching and Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology
(AY 2019-2020):
Br. Siddharta B. Chiong, OP, Summa cum Laude, Rector’s
Awardee for Academic Excellence for the Faculty of Sacred
Theology, and Valedictorian of Batch 2020
Br. Ian Jeoffrey G. Melendres, OP, Magna cum Laude
Br. Wilhelm B. Boñon, OP, Magna cum Laude
Br. Marc Adrian H. dela Peña, OP, Magna cum Laude
Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (AY 2020-2021)
Br. Samuel Sonny Gunawan, OP, Cum Laude
Br. Vince Stanley B. Iñigo, OP, Magna cum Laude
Br. Leonito F. Mateo, OP, Cum Laude—
3
 NEWS SECTION

The new graduates gather together to commemorate their academic
achievements through a photo opportunity with the academic officials of the
Province
AB Classical and Baccalaureate in Philosophy (AY 2019-2020)
Br. Eugene Dominic V. Aboy, OP,
Magna cum Laude and Rector’s Awardee for Academic
Excellence for the Faculty of Philosophy
AB Classical and Baccalaureate in Philosophy (AY 2020-2021)
Br. John Rheed M. Caturza, OP, Cum Laude
Br. Joenner Paulo L. Enriquez, OP, Cum Laude
Br. Mark Lawrence S. Gianan, OP,
Magna cum Laude and Rector’s Awardee for Academic
Excellence for the Faculty of Philosophy
Br. Peter Lynnus C. Silerio, OP, Cum Laude
Br. Fergie Joshua A. Lasugas, OP, Magna Cum Laude t

OPPORTUNITIES RECEIVED
Br. Leonito F. Mateo, OP

A
nother batch of student brothers graciously received
“new opportunities to get nearer to the altar, to get
nearer to our Lord Jesus Christ” as mentioned by
the Prior Provincial, Br. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP in his
homily last August 20, 2021, the Memorial of St. Bernard of
Clairvaux in Sto. Domingo Church.
Among the student brothers who were instituted
to the Ministry of Lectors are Br. Laurence Ryan V. Mata,
OP, Br. Vince Stanley B. Iñigo, OP, Br. Johnny Luntungan,
OP, Br. Leonito F. Mateo, OP, Br. Lukas Sabdaningrat, OP,
Br. Dominico Xaviero Budoyo Setiawan, OP, Br. Julian
Christopher C. Morada, OP, Br. Jimbo M. Mendejar, OP, Br.
Tommy Riezky Tiyanto, OP, and Br. John Wilson F. Nucum,
OP.
Those who were instituted to the Ministry of
Acolytes are the following: Br. Samuel Sonny Gunawan, OP,
Br. Siddharta B. Chiong, OP, Br. Ian Joeffrey G. Melendres, OP,
Br. Wilhelm B. Boñon, OP, and Br. Marc Adrian H. de la Peña,
OP.
Safety protocols were observed during the
celebration of the mass to hinder the spread of the COVID-19 The newly instituted lectors (above) and acolytes (below) entertain a group
virus. t photo with their formators, and with the Prior Provincial of the Province.

4
 NEWS SECTION
Domingo T. De Guzman, Jr. Makes His Temporary Profession
as Lay Dominican

O
n August 8, 2021, Mr. Domingo T. de Guzman Jr. made Mr. de Guzman entertains a group photo with his family together with Br.
profession as lay Dominican of the Province of the Molano, right after his profession as lay Dominican.
Philippines. The rite of profession was
carried out within the Eucharistic celebration
for the Solemnity of our Holy Father St. Dominic,
5:00 PM at St. Dominic Church in Eagle Rock,
California, United States of America, which was
presided over by Br. Isaiah Mary Molano, OP
(who hails from Pangasinan, Philippines), Prior
of St. Dominic’s Priory, and was facilitated by
Br. Roberto Corral, OP, Pastor of the St. Dominic
Church. Mr. Will Duquette, OP President of the
Lay Dominicans in Los Angeles and the family of
Mr. de Guzman were present to witness the event.
The event was also followed through
Facebook Live (8:00 AM, August 9, 2021 in
Manila) by Dr. Belen L. Tangco, OP, President
of the Provincial Council of the Lay Dominican
Fraternities of the Province of the Philippines, Br.
Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., OP, Br. Melencio P. Garcia, considered a very remarkable one, according to Brother
OP, who is the Religious Assistant of the ALAB-HJM (Hearts Master Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, OP who shared
of Jesus and Mary) Lay Dominican Group based in Bahay part of his response to Mr. de Guzman, who has been truly
Dominiko (where Mr. de Guzman is a member), Mr. Vicente grateful about his profession. This was the first time for such
P. Libo-on, President of ALAB-HJM Lay Dominican Group, profession to the Lay Dominican Fraternities of the Province
and of the other members of the aforesaid lay Dominican of the Philippines that was held in the United States of
community. America, which is outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the
Sometime last year, Mr. Domingo T. de Guzman, Jr., Philippine Province; it was held on August 8, the Solemnity
a Filipino who, with his family, has been residing in Carson of St. Dominic de Guzman, Mr. de Guzman’s namesake; it was
City (California) for years, expressed his intention to Br. held at the 100-year old St. Dominic Church; it was held in
Sipalay, then the Prior Provincial, to join the Lay Dominican the year of the Golden Foundation Anniversary celebration
Fraternities in the Province of the Philippines. Mr. de Guzman of the Philippine Province and Eighth Centenary Celebration
had previously joined the postulancy of the Province a long of the Dies Natalis of our Holy Father St. Dominic. t
time ago. Dr. Tangco communicated with Br. Juan Ubaldo
Lopez Salamanca, OP, General Promoter of the Dominican
Laity, to ask for blessing and for referral to Br. Christopher
Fadok, OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of
the Holy Name of Jesus, which is commonly referred to as
the “Western Dominican Province”. The Western Dominican
Province has territorial jurisdiction over the area of California. CAFE INGGO 1587
Upon getting the blessing, Dr. Tangco requested Br. Sipalay to receives The
communicate with Br. Fadok regarding the arrangement and TRAVELERs’ Choice
preparation of the profession of Mr. de Guzman. Award from the
Prior to his profession, Mr. de Guzman was being Traveladvisor.com
guided by Br. Sipalay and Dr. Tangco on his formation
and preparation for the temporary profession. He is also
attending the regular monthly virtual meeting of the ALAB-
HJM Dominican Group every third Wednesday of the month The owner, Mr. Victor F.
Alcuaz, poses with the
at 8:30 PM in Manila (5:30 AM in Carson City), via Zoom Travelers’ Choice Seal
since the month of May 2021. located at the entrance of his
The profession of Mr. de Guzman could be— restaurant.

5
 NEWS SECTION
VenERABLE MoTHER Francisca at 310 throughout their
Br. Sandy C. Alerta, OP life. For him, the best
way to remember

L
ast August 24, 2021, on the Feast of St. Bartholomew, Ven. Mo. Francisca
the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the is to 'not forget' her
Philippines spearheaded the commemoration of the inspiring and heroic
310 Death Anniversary of Venerable Mother Francisca del
th virtues, which are
Espiritu Santo de Fuentes. now recognized by
In 1696, Ven. Mo. Francisca founded the Beaterio de the Church.
Sta. Catalina de Sena in Intramuros, Manila. The Beaterio has Due to
now grown into the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters the government’s
of St. Catherine of Siena Philippines, that serves in various C O V I D - 1 9
apostolates focusing on education, health, youth formation, restrictions on
catechesis, justice and peace, among others, in the Philippines mass gatherings,
and abroad. This year, the congregation also celebrates its the Mass was
325th founding anniversary. celebrated at the
In his homily, Br. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP, emphasized La Naval side altar of Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.
that more than praying and working for the advancement of the It was streamed live via Facebook and YouTube so that the
Cause for Beatification of Ven. Mo. Francisca, the Siena Sisters, Siena Sisters and their collaborators from all over the world
and their collaborators may also become venerable themselves could be part of this momentous celebration. t

ACTS IN ACTION
Br. Carlo Rey C. Canto, OP Titled “Mission
in a Post COVID-19

I
n accordance with
Act 239 of the
12th Provincial
Chapter, the Provincial
Formation Council
organized a series of
skill-based programs for
the brethren. The first
of which, Sustainable
Leadership in our
Dominican Educational
Institutions, was held
last August 23, 2021, at
3:00 PM, via Zoom, with
Br. Jesus M. Miranda, Jr.,
OP, PhD, as the speaker.
A number of members
of the Province and of
Priestly Fraternities
of St. Dominic in the Philippines participated in the said
webinar. t
Mission in a Post COVID-19 World
Br. Rocky Niño L. Manire, OP
World”, the online
conference aimed to
introduce the various
missions and social
actions that attendees
may participate in to
support the fight against
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fr. Antonio M. Pernia,
SVD, former Superior
General of the Society of
the Divine Word, served as the resource speaker.
Through his valuable insights, the former superior
general guided the participants in their reflection on the
COVID-19 pandemic, as well as on Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti
as a call to fraternity, and the role of Mission in the “Post
COVID-19 world.” Br. Rambang Ngawan, OP and Sr. Cecilia
A. Espenilla, OP served as panel reactors, and shared their
insights and reflections on the topic. The online conference
was supported and well attended by the Dominican Family.
The short but meaningful conference was held online via
Zoom and broadcasted live on Facebook and YouTube
through different social media pages of the Dominican
Province of the Philippines.
A recorded video of the online conference is

A
s the country continues its battle against the threat
of the global pandemic, the Commission on Missions,
headed by Br. Allan V. Lopez, OP, organized and held
an online conference on mission last August 28, 2021. —
accessible through the Province’s various Facebook pages
and Dominican Students’ Media Center (DSMC) YouTube
channel. t

6
 NEWS SECTION
Br. Adiredjo, New Rector of Darma Cendika, Surabaya
Br. Alexander Detayoga, OP

O
n Thursday, August 19, 2021, the Catholic University of Darma Cendika (UKDC) held the installation of its new Rector,
Br. Adrian S. Adiredjo, OP, SThL, MA, PhD (Cand.), in Vidya Loka Hall, Surabaya. Br. Adiredjo replaced the outgoing
Rector, Fr. Yustinus Budi Hermanto, PhD, who completed his term in 2021. Due to the pandemic, the program was
livestreamed so that various stakeholders of the university, namely the members of the Board of Trustees, academic and
support staff, students, and alumni, could participate online.
Right before installation of the new Rector, Bishop Vincentius Sutikno Wisaksono, DD, Bishop of Surabaya, as well
as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, installed Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP as the new Chief Executive Officer of
UKDC, replacing Br. Adiredjo. In turn, Br. Ruseno, installed Br. Adiredjo as the 7th Rector of UKDC.
“Today is a historic moment for UKDC because for the first time, a Dominican priest is elected as the rector of UKDC.” as
Br. Ruseno said in his remarks. Br. Ruseno also mentioned that this
installation signified the Order of Preachers’ greater commitment
in developing the University as well as a good sign of collaboration
among the Dominicans and the Diocesan Clergy.
Meanwhile, Br. Adiredjo thanked the previous Rector and
vowed to continue his legacy. He also envisioned the University
to be a ‘Kampus Merdeka’ (freedom campus), where there would
be a seamless collaboration between the University, different
industries, and the government. t
Br. Adiredjo and Br. Ruseno welcome a photo op together
with the officials of UKDC after the rite of installation.

Indonesian Dominican Friars Welcome Eight New Aspirants have the words to eternal life.” As part of the acceptance rite,
Br. Benny Effendie each new aspirant received a Dominican cross and a copy of
the Breviary. The aspirants were invited to unite themselves

O
n August 22, 2021, in celebration of the Memorial of the with the Crucified Christ, to receive his love and to share—
Queenship of Mary, eight new aspirants were received First row: The new aspirants, from left to right: Vincentius Teguh Samudra,
into the Dominican family, with the rite of acceptance Alexander Darren Everest Ang, Marco Alberto Damiano Untu, Ari Rufinus
taking place at the Redemptor Mundi Parish in Surabaya. The Tlonaen, Andreas Caesario Swastika, Benny Efendie, Niklas Lesmana
eight candidates arrived from different parts of the country: Tjitra, and Piter Robertus Bellermino Simamora.
three from Jakarta, two from East Java, two from Sulawesi Second row: The priests of Redemptus Mundi, from left to right: Br.
(Celebes), and one from North Sumatera. They will undergo Adiredjo, Br. Ruseno, and Br. Bernadas.
a six-month formation in Surabaya, in anticipation of being
transferred for postulancy in Manila
in early 2022.
The Mass was celebrated
by Br. Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP and
assisted by Br Adrian S. Adiredjo, OP
and Br. Joseto N. Bernadas, Jr., OP. Br.
Ruseno, who is also the formator in
charge of the aspirancy, reminded
the candidates that they will go
through many spiritual trials during
the formation period, where doubts
and uncertainties could arise. The
key to overcome these difficult
times is to have a strong faith like
Peter’s who boldly acclaimed:
“Master, to whom should we go? You

7

it with others, and to unite themselves with the Dominican
family and the saints in praising God, and to participate in the
liturgical prayers of the Church.
The new candidates came from different walks of
life. While most of them were graduates of various minor
seminaries, three of them had completed their tertiary
education and had some working experience. “I was first
attracted to Dominican friars because of their habit. I met Fr.
Adrian who came to my minor seminary during a vocation
promotion activity. He explained to us the charisms of the
Dominican order very well and I soon got in touch with
Br. Veri who was in-charge for vocation promotion.” said
Alexander Darren Ang, 17, who is the youngest candidate.
Andreas Caesario, 23, a graduate of Diploma in
English had a slightly different story: “I had been discerning
the vocation to the priesthood for a few years. I was at first
attracted to the Jesuits. However, I unintentionally found Fr.
Bayu’s talks on YouTube. I searched for more information
about the Dominican order and felt drawn to it.”
Niklas Tjitra, 24, who graduated from Nanyang
Technological University in Singapore and had worked as an
engineer in the city state shared his story: “I never had the
thought of becoming a priest during my childhood. It was
during my working year in Singapore that I became more
serious with my faith and searched for my true vocation. I—
FEATURES SECTION
Filipino “Summa” and “Osana”
Br. Mervin G. Lomague, OP
T
he month of August is Buwan ng Wika. Those who are
old enough to remember would agree that the National
Language celebration before was limited only for a week.
Thus, some of us are more familiar of celebrating “Linggo ng
Wika” instead of “Buwan ng Wika” in schools. It has been this
way since 1946, when President Sergio Osmeña proclaimed
that a weeklong commemoration of the National Language
should be held from March 27 to April 2. President Ramon
Magsaysay adjusted the celebration twice: first in 1954 when
he changed the date to March 29 to April 4; and second in 1955,
when he made the culmination of the National Language Week
to coincide with the birth anniversary of President Manuel
Quezon, also known as “Ama ng Wikang Pambansa.” In 1997,
President Fidel Ramos finally extended the celebration to the
whole month of August. Since then, it became that time of the
year when schools hold endless competitions from slogan
making to folk-dancing!
By the way, how confident are we in expressing
ourselves in the vernacular language? Out of the 236
catalogued bachelor’s theses in PDCIS from 1978-2018, only
NEWS SECTION
chose the Dominicans because I like philosophy and partly
because I shared my stories with Fr. Adrian, who is my
distant relative.”
For the most senior candidate of this cohort, Benny
Efendie, 51, the call to the Dominican Order is totally
providential, a ‘clin d’oeil’ (wink) from the Lord. “I had
always been attracted to priesthood and consecrated life
since my youth. I joined a Carmelite religious community at
the age of 24, but I had to leave due to health reasons. I then
furthered my study and worked as a lecturer in Malaysia for
almost 20 years. I had been journeying with a contemplative
community in France and was about to enter last year.
However, the pandemic changed everything. It was the
prior of that community who suggested me to contact the
Dominicans. I got into contact with Fr. Adrian, who kindly
encouraged me to apply. Considering my advanced age, I am
grateful to the Provincial superior and the council members
who allowed me to start my formation in the Order. I hope
that I wouldn’t disappoint them.”
The candidates looked very happy, although their
family members could not attend this joyful occasion due
to pandemic restrictions. Br. Ruseno concluded the rite
of acceptance by asking the parishioners to pray for the
candidates, whose journeys will still be long and winding. t
6 of them were written in Filipino. The earliest in the list was
defended in 1991 with the title “Ang Tao Ayon kay Rizal.” A
quick inventory yields interesting titles such as “Pilopino:
Ang Pilosopiyang Pilipino” (1992) and “Tungo sa Metapisika
ng Pilosopiyang Pilipino” (1994). Sometimes, Filipino titles
could be as nose-bleeding as those which are found in the
works of the German philosophers! The recent studies
defended in Filipino are called “Pakikipagkapwa: Isang Daan
tungo sa Pag-unawa sa Kaligayahan ng mga Pilipino” (2010),
“Ang Implikasyon ng Relasyon ng Kalayaan sa Tatlong Baitang
ng Eksistensya ni Soren Kierkegaard” (2012) and “Ang—
8

Papel ng Kapwa sa Pagbuo ng Konsepto ng Paninindigan ng
mga Pilipino: Isang Pagsusuri” (2015).
But it was not around this time only when the
Filipino Dominicans started philosophizing seriously in the
vernacular language. One fascinating attempt was the “Summa
Theologica in Pilipino” serialized by the student brothers in
the publication The Dominican in 1963-1964. The brothers
translated some portions of the Summa including the Question
Two of the Prima Pars, which contains the famous “Five Ways”
of Thomas Aquinas. While the experience of reading Aquinas
in Filipino may feel a bit odd given our familiarity with English
translations, there is no denying that the rendition of the
Coristas is both eloquent and comprehensible: “SA KABILANG
DAKO, sinasabi sa Exodo 3, 14, sa katauhan ng Diyos: Ako ay
siya na umiiral sa kanyang sarili. ANG SAGOT KO AY, maaaring
patunayan ang eksistensya ng Diyos sa limang paraan. Una
at higit na malinaw na paraan ay nababatay sa galaw…” The
translators even provided the suggested format for citation.
Based on their system, the selection above could be cited as
“1, t. 2, p. 3, sa k.”
One thing remarkable about Sto. Domingo Church is its
impressive Filipino repertoire during Holy Week celebrations.
Br. Giuseppe Pietro V. Arsciwals, OP composed a number of
psalms, responsories, and hymns for Palm Sunday and Easter
Triduum—most of which eventually became part of Sto.
Domingo liturgy in 2010. The musical score of “Osana!” (2005)
alone was truly epic. It captures the mood that unveils the
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struggle that comes with Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem.
The stanzas call to mind the artistry and catechetical imprint
of the Pasyons in the past, but they are all addressed to Jesus
as if the choir is conversing with the Lord: “Ang manga taong
Hebreo ay sumalubong sa Iyo; May palaspas sa daan Mo
ngayon ngang araw na ito. Linggo bago ka magdusa, inawitan
ka at sinamba. At sa Biyernes nais nila, sa krus ika’y iparipa.”
Osana’s lyrical catechesis however is sung with august choral
arrangement (makahari) as if the friars and the Tiples de Sto.
Domingo are “singing themselves to an epic battle.” The hymn
aptly sets the mood of the beginning of Holy Week: when the
King of the Jews was on his way to win the war against sin and
death. “Osana” and other Filipino hymns and responsories,
particularly sung in Sto. Domingo during the liturgy, are part
of the musical heritage of the convent.
Today, it is no longer unusual when we philosophize in
Filipino or sing vernacular songs during Holy Week. We even
now have Filipino prayers and hymns contained in the Preces
we use in the Province. But we must admit that fifty years ago,
the Dominicans hardly imagined themselves defending theses
in Tagalog or singing vernacular hymns during the conventual
liturgy, even though they are full-blooded Filipinos. Buwan
ng Wika helps us appreciate that simple joy of expressing the
things dear to our lives as Dominicans in the language close to
our hearts. t
Feedback are appreciated at mervinlomague.op@gmail.com.

Homily of Br. Cielito R. AlmazaN, OFM on the occasion of the Solemnity of St. Dominic de
Guzman on August 8, 2021 at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City

F
r. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines,
and all the brothers and fathers who belong to this Province, of the Dominican Order, born
out of a sacra praedicatio.
My dear sisters and friends and all the followers of St. Dominic de Guzman, who are
somewhere out there, online: Good evening and happy fiesta po.
As we celebrate today the Solemnity of our Holy Father Saint Dominic, according to Fr. Filemon,
we, you Dominicans, also celebrate this year the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Dominic
(dies natalis), his passing away, and not only that, the Golden Anniversary of the Establishment of
the Dominican Province of the Philippines, which coincide with the Church’s celebration of the
Year of Saint Joseph and the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
Grabe. Ang dami. How can we handle all these? Who am I, a Franciscan, to handle all these in this short homily?
And we celebrate amidst the pandemic and we are again under ECQ due to Delta variant, in spite of the vaccinations. In
addition, we celebrate amidst the joy of the first gold medal won by Hidilyn and other medals won by our other athletes in the
Tokyo Olympics.
I have been invited to preside over this mass to continue the remembering of the friendship between our Holy Founders St.
Dominic de Guzman and St. Francis of Assisi. Let me first say something, briefly, about their friendship, for the sake of the people
out there. Then I will try to develop how it has fostered by the both Orders, until now.
Their friendship started in 1216, in which according to a story, “St. Dominic was said to have dreamt about meeting a
beggar on the road who together with himself would do great things for the Church.” The next day, Dominic met that beggar and
it was Francis. That encounter between the founders of two important religious communities in those days would challenge the
Church and trigger her reform and renewal.
And according to St. Francis’ first biographer, Blessed Thomas of Celano (Celano, Second Life, chapter CX), "The blessed—

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Dominic once asked St. Francis to kindly give him the cord he
wore about his waist. St. Francis was reluctant to do this, moved
by the same humility to refuse as the other was moved to ask.
Finally, however, the blessed devotion of the petitioner won
out and Dominic very devoutly put the cord that was given him
about himself beneath his inner tunic. St. Dominic wore it thus
until his death in 1221.
Since then, the mutual influences of Dominic and
Francis can be seen in the development of our two mendicant
Orders. Francis may have influenced Dominic to expand the
practice of the vow of poverty, and the Friars Minor adopted the
Dominican constitutional system as a result of their turbulent
history after Francis’ death in 1226.
For me this is what it means to be “the light of the world
and salt of the earth,” which is the message of the gospel for
today. The friendship of two holy men living out the gospel is the
light that shines to the world. Their friendship based on their
passion to preach the gospel is also the salt that gives meaning
to the world.
I read the book written by Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr., OP,
entitled, “A Preacher’s Calling in remembrance of Dominic.” It
was given to me by Fr. Jun Sipalay last year. If St. Dominic stayed
only in Osma along with his companions and with Bishop
Diego, he could not have checked the spread of heretics, the
Albigensians, in those dark days in southern France. St. Dominic
and his group saw the need to preach.
The Order of Preachers emerged as a missionary
impulse of preaching in the life of the Church in the 13th century.
These three terms missionary, impulse, preaching are linked
with the historical beginnings of the Order.
St. Dominic as well as his companions really captured
the message of Jesus Christ who said “preach the gospel to all
the nations.” St. Dominic was driven by the Spirit to preach and
did not adopt the way of the Crusaders.
How about St. Francis, his friend? Did he preach also?
Yes. St. Francis preached peace. He did it also against the
background of the Crusades who wanted war, asking everyone
to recognize that we are all brothers and sisters. We are not
enemies. We belong to the same humanity – Moslems and
Christians alike. He journeyed to the Middle East and preached
inside the tent of Sultan Melek al Kamil, convinced that we
are Fratelli Tutti. This is the title of Pope Francis’ encyclical he
issued last year, which is also called the Covid Encyclical, by one
of our bishops.
St. Dominic may not have worked hand in hand with St.
Francis or vice versa, since they preached in different areas, but
we, their followers, both Dominicans and Franciscans, fathers,
brothers and sisters, still continue not only celebrating but also
reliving the friendship, the mutual respect and esteem of our
founders, since we are not very far apart from each other now.
Today, in the Church, we translate friendship or good
relationship into collaboration, cooperation and synodality or
walking together. In the Philippine Church, we walk together
along with the clergy, other religious and consecrated groups,
the lay through the AMRSP or CMSP, Conference of Major
Superiors of the Philippines, and through CBCP-ECMR to speed
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up the evangelization of our people.
We have to combat together the heresies of our times,
the false beliefs, false gods, false values, false information, false
solutions, false practices, by studying well our faith.
We also work together to help those who are hard up
because of the pandemic. A group of sisters in Mindanao asked
us, religious, to help them because many of them in the convent
got COVID.
Today, we do not only preach about doctrines, faith and
morals, but also take care of the well-being of our bodies and
our communities. We are excited to hear from Fr. Nicanor Robles
Austriaco, OP, the molecular biologist, who is finding solutions
to the virus.
He made an important remark published by the
Inquirer last Thursday, addressing a House resolution, “Despite
our differences, we must work together as one people to fight
our common enemy.” Yes, we need to sacrifice and be patient
with one another. Our relationships are important to foster good
leadership and good governance, for the benefit of the people.
Following the example of our two great saints, our
scientists, health workers and politicians here must foster
friendship among themselves. Their respect for one another
should become viral, infectious enough to uplift our spirits, to
give us hope and to make us proud of our ourselves as Filipinos
and of our country, like what Hidilyn and other athletes have
done.
Speaking of leadership, before the Tokyo Olympics, we,
Franciscans, were excited to know our newly elected Minister
General and Definitors, towards the end of the General Chapter
last month. It was a change all. The old officers are all gone.
Our new minister general is an Italian, not Asian. There
was a pressure on us, Filipino Franciscans, when Fr. Gerard
Timoner III became the Master of your Order in 2019. But
the majority of our provincials might have been longing to be
ruled again by an Italian, after 18 years of non-Italians. You
Dominicans do not care where your master come from as can
be seen in the Google.
Fr. Massimo Fusarelli is the 121st successor of St.
Francis of Assisi, but Fr. Timoner, 88th Master of the Order, or
87th successor of St. Dominic. I saw them together this morning
in the Facebook. Our Minister General visited your convent
in Rome. The visit appeared as a repetition of Francis visiting
Dominic in Bologna, Bologna again, where St. Dominic died.
Why do we, Franciscans, have more successors? 121
successors versus 87 successors. What does this mean? Does
this mean that the Franciscans have more successors because
they are magulo, like those kings in ancient Israel?
History of Israel tells us that some of their kings did not
reign long, because they were either killed or overthrown one
after the other. Or perhaps, we, Franciscans, have never learned
from the Dominicans who helped us to put things into order
after the death of St. Francis in 1226. Kaya the Disorder of St.
Francis pa rin. Joke only.
In this Year of Missio Ad Gentes and the 500 years of
Christianization in the Philippines, we are happy to remember
the dates when our early missionaries arrived in Manila.—
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The Augustinians arrived first in 1565, then the
Franciscans in 1578, 13 years later. The Franciscans stayed with
the Augustinians in Intramuros. Then came the Dominicans
in 1587, almost a decade later. They arrived in Cavite on July
21, then next day they walked to Manila and were temporarily
housed in a Franciscan convent. The Jesuits and the Augustinian
recollects came later.
I am sure the Franciscans welcomed the Dominicans
in keeping with the friendship of St. Dominic and St. Francis.
Even here as they arrived they showed friendship to each other.
By this time, the Franciscans were already all over the place in
Paco, Meycauayan, Tayabas, Balayan, Batangas, Vigan, and Bicol
region. The Dominicans did not wait long to start their mission
in Bataan and Pangasinan in their early days.
Beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them
who bring glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, etc.
One by-product of their friendship is the first printed
book in the Philippines in 1593, the Doctrina Christiana, a
catechetical guide approved during the first Synod of Manila,
under Bishop Domingo de Salazar, OP, in 1582.
Same year, Fr. Juan de Plasencia, a Franciscan, started
the translation from Spanish into Tagalog. 11 years later,
the Dominicans xylographically printed it, which included a
syllabary (phonetics), the Pater Noster, Ave Maria, Credo, Salve
Maria, Articles of Faith, 10 commandments, the commandments
of the church and many others.
I like the way the Our Father was translated especially
on that part which says, “and lead us not into temptation.”
Huwag mo kaming iiwan nang di kami matalo sa tukso.” I heard
Fr. Timoner recite the complete version in Rome, when he gave
+DEATH IN THE FAMILY
+Sylvia V. Padilla, the mother of our Br. Wenifredo V. Padilla
III, OP, who passed away on August 5, 2021.
+Nick A. Gentapa, a professed member and President of the
Rosarian Society of the Holy Spirit Lay Dominican Fraternity
(Toledo City, Cebu), who passed away on August 6, 2021.
+Maria Sagrario H. Llorente, OP of the Congregation of
the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata, who passed away on
August 10, 2021 at the age of 77.
+Edwin Irasga Parza, a professed member of the St. Catherine
of Siena Lay Dominican Fraternity (Tigaon, Camarines Sur),
who passed away on August 10, 2021.
+Zenaida T. Bonete, a professed member of the Lay
Dominican Fraternity Chapter (Calabanga, Camarines Sur),
who passed away on August 10, 2021.
+Molina Sto. Domingo, a professed member of the Lay
Dominican Community (Paombong, Bulacan), who passed
away on August 11, 2021.
+Maria Aurea I. Obsioma, the sister of our Br. Raul I.
Obsioma, OP), who passed away on August 19, 2021.
+Rosalina Calicdan, a professed member of the Lay
Dominican Fraternity Chapter (Laoac, Pangasinan) who
passed away on August 21, 2021.
+Raquel C. Marquez, the mother of our Br. Clarence Victor
C. Marquez, OP, who passed away last August 29, 2021.
+Gloria R. Geronimo, the mother of our Br. Jerone R.
Geronimo, OP, who passed away on August 31, 2021. t
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a talk to a group, acknowledging the late Dr. Joe de Mesa did a
study of it. Such friendship between the two is still alive in the
AMRSP, now CMSP. When our Franciscan Bro. Angel Cortez, then
co-executive secretary, approached Fr. Jun Sipalay if the visa
desk can be accommodated in Letran College, in Intramuros,
he immediately welcomed the idea. And it was easily arranged.
This friendship through AMRSP has benefitted our foreign
missionaries and students doing theology here.
Maraming salamat, Dominican Fathers and brothers.
Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee. As you celebrate your
50 years of existence as a Province, ours is only 38 years, may
you be able to continue the works of preaching and helping
other congregations to pick up themselves through your
institutions and expertise. Fr. Filemon, may you have time still
to give retreats to us in the near future.
I pray through the intercession of St. Joseph, that you,
friars keep on dreaming to find more poverellos and to keep
preaching to woo back the wayward souls to the Church and to
God, through your own style, as we begin a new era, another era
of 500 years of evangelization in the Philippines.
St. Paul reminds you, in 2 Timothy, “perform your work
as evangelists, fulfill your ministry.” I add, imitate your founder.
Be preachers of grace, using the words of Pope Francis on your
feastday. Be true to your charism. We need you, Dominicans in
the Church.
In this Mass, we pray that the Lord may continue blessing
you, blessing the Dominican Order with more vocations and
make them ever vibrant and relevant preachers to our times.
Mabuhay kayong lahat, brothers, members of the Dominican
Order of the Philippines. Mabuhay din ang mga Madre.
Mabuhay si Santo Domingo. Thank you very much. t
MONTH of SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
September 1: Br. Delfo C. Canceran, OP
September 2: Br. Orlando C. Aceron, OP
September 4: Br. Samuel Sonny Gunawan, OP
September 5: Br. Gerard C. Zabala, OP
Br. John Andrew S. Bautista, OP
September 6: Br. John Rheed M. Caturza, OP
September 10: Br. Mingry Hanafi Tjipto, OP
September 13: Br. Manoj Rasanjana Angodage Don, OP
September 17: Br. Dominic Budoyo Setiawan, OP
September 22: Br. Roland C. Mactal, OP
Br. John Paul R. Pamintuan, OP
September 23: Br. Jeffrey M. Pagaduan, OP
September 25: Br. Angel Aparicio, OP
Br. Simon Peter L. Ramos, OP
September 28: Br. Arturo P. Pestin, OP
Br. Laurance Ryan V. Mata, OP
DISCLAIMER: Pictures/images used in this newsletter were
courtesy of the brothers in the Province, and were gathered
from various internet sources publicly available. NO COPYRIGHT
infringement is intended in the use of these materials.
For comments and suggestions, contact us:
PROVINCIAL SECRETARIAT’S OFFICE
at dominicans.ph@gmail.com.
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